Sales & Marketing

Walmart has fired the first shot in the Cyber Monday wars.   The discounter said it will launch its “Cyber Week” sales several days early this year, with the first round to be offered on Friday, Nov. 25, at 12:01 a.m. (EST).   In announcing the deals, Walmart noted it has nearly tripled its online assortment to more than 23 million products from 8 million last year, with the growth partially driven by the increase in the chain’s third-party sellers.     

Talk about commitment.   Patagonia announced that its plans to donate 100% of its store and online sales on Black Friday, Nov. 25, to grassroots environmental organizations.   "These are small groups, often underfunded and under the radar, who work on the front lines," Patagonia CEO and president Rose Marcario wrote in a post announcing the company’s plans. "The support we can give is more important now than ever."   

“Property Brothers” Drew and Jonathon Scott joined a slew of local dignitaries at last week’s opening of Tanger Outlets Daytona Beach, its 44th center and its first in Florida.   The Daytona location houses more than 70 stores, including H&M, Francesca’s, Perfumania, Rise Pies Pizza, and Under Armour.  

The president of Office Depot’s North American operations is stepping down.   Marc Crosby is leaving the company “to pursue other opportunities,” according to the Sun Sentinel, which cited a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. No date was given for his departure.  

The online retailer credited with disrupting the mattress category may be moving into the physical space.   Casper, which delivers its mattresses folded in a box, has plans to open a fleet of physical stores, according to help wanted ads placed on its website, according to the New York Post.   

As Black Friday quickly approaches, it is anyone’s game on who will garner the most wallet share — clicks or bricks.    More than three-quarters (76%) of Americans plan to shop over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, and they plan to spend $400 between Thanksgiving and Cyber Monday, a slight uptick from last year's intentions to spend $369.  

Plenty has been written about the importance of infusing experiences into shopping centers. Much has been written about placemaking. But not nearly enough has been written about the role a well-thought-out landscape environment contributes to overall experience and the power of "place." It’s more important to women shoppers than you might imagine.